Cervo's

The team behind Cervo’s has mastered the art of deceptively simple food. They caught our eye first with Hart’s, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and neighborhood favorite in Bed-Stuy, and now it is the welcome addition of their sister-restaurant on the Lower East Side that has our full attention. An unpretentious oyster bar and seafood-centric eatery with the feel of a wine bar, Cervo’s is a great place for a date—choose a spot at the bar to be amongst the action or slide into the bench seat for a more intimate experience. The food is Portuguese/Spanish, straightforward with style. If you love seafood, small plates, and a well-curated wine list, this place is a must. We recommend the fried squid with yogurt and chili, the Maine scallops, and the chicken skewers make for a surprising standout dish.